Do you know where the Escalator Souq is? Is Gold Souq just selling all-gold items? Why are there many souqs in Qatar and what can you find there?

If you are one of the shopaholics in Qatar who often flock to the “souqs” — short term for Arab bazaars or traditional markets, did you know that each of them serve a different purpose?

Read on to find out what’s in souq for you!

But, before that, here’s an important reminder from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH):

• Today, wholesale markets and souqs continue to operate with 30% capacity and exclusively for those over aged 12 years. 

• Souks have also re-opened on Fridays and Saturdays, following the lifting of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in the country from May 28, 2021.

Now, scroll through to check some tips and interesting facts about 10 of the most visited souqs in Qatar!

1. SOUQ WAQIF

Souq Waqif is one of the best and most popular souqs in Doha, which draws a large number of locals and tourists every year. 

However, due to the recent pandemic, some of the regular activities and attractions here were temporarily banned for public safety against COVID-19.

The winding alleyways in this heritage market remind one of the old Doha. These maze-like paths were part of the daily life of the early people in Qatar. 

This labyrinthine bazaar is lined up with vibrant shops selling a diverse range of products in the narrow streets that make up the souq. Its vibrancy makes it a great place to hang out with family and friends!

Known for: Fun activities, traditional markets, and variety shops where you can buy practically everything, while keeping in mind some COVID-19 protocols in place.

Timings: Saturday to Thursday- 09:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday - 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Location: Just off the Corniche, adjacent to Grand Hamad Street, Ali Bin Abdulla Street, and Al Souq Street, Doha, Qatar

Contact Number: +974 5551 9254

Shops & Products:

- Restaurants, cafes, food carts, serving up all kinds of locals and international delicacies (inside and along the main walking streets)

- Exclusive Arabic and gastronomic experience (some restaurants serve Qatari specialities and foods from across the Middle East)

- Some traditional cafes and restaurants stay open late

- Pearl and gold jewelry items

- Souvenir items: From pashminas at QR10-QR40 to salt and pepper shakers shaped like a couple in national dress, plus more

- Spices, nuts, and dried fruits

- Perfumes of Arabia and incense (try ‘Oud,’ the uniquely scented agarwood often burned and bokhur, the balls of mixed ouds and oils like sandalwood, musk and rose oil, as well as the traditional burners).

- High-quality vintage items like shisha, coffee pots, and wooden boxes

- International clothing and traditional Qatari dresses

- Local honey

- Pots, ceramics, and garden equipment

- Local crafts, Bedouin weaving, model dhow boats (traditional wooden sailing boats), wooden bridal chests, gypsum handicrafts, and paintings by Qatari artists

- Falcon shops (some of the shopkeepers allow their birds to be handled and photographed)

Did you know?

• Souq Waqif has been existing for over 250 years. It is the only traditional souq, or standing market, in the gulf.

• It was once a weekend trading area and is now a tourist attraction in its own right. 

• During the historic times, it was used as a marketplace where Bedouins and the local people of Qatar traded goods and socialised. 

• Originally, Souq Waqif adjoined the shore for easy boat access. It still faces the water, but the link to the front is now divided by a major road and a park. 

Want to know more about Souq Waqif? Read this article:  Away from the glitz Qatari tradition lies inside Souq Waqif

2. GOLD SOUQ

Qatar is all about luxury and this is 100% true when you visit the Gold Souq.

One of the largest clusters of gold jewellery shops in the country, this place is quite popular where you will find a maze of markets, lining along the Ali Bin Abdullah Street, and selling both heavy and dainty pieces of jewelry. 

Once you enter the Gold Souq, you'll feel like you're transported to a magical world made of the most valuable metal in the planet — as if King Midas touched everything here and turned them into all-gold.

This gold paradise has sprawled to include smaller alleyways and covered mall-type areas with shops specialising in local and imported jewellery made from gold. 

If gold’s not your thing, many shops also offer white gold, silver, platinum, and even traditional and antique Bedouin jewellery pieces.

Even if you’re there for window shopping, seeing the glorious designs and spectacular craftsmanship is bewitching in itself. 

Nothing says Qatar more like a custom piece of jewellery!  So, join the trend and get for yourself one of the must-have accessories for expats in Qatar: A necklace with your name engraved in Arabic. Tourists absolutely love this.

The fancy designs and the attractive prices will allure you to splurge on gold shopping! For more tour and shopping tips at the Gold Souq, read also: Gold Shopping In Qatar! *Most Affordable Gold Market*

Known for: Gold and jewellery

Timings: Saturday to Thursday- 09:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday - 04:30 pm to 10:30 pm (or depending on each store timings). 

The souq is particularly lively in the evening, when you'll see husbands buying their wives gold jewellery as a gift or women who want to add some bling on their collections!

Location: Next to Al-Ghanim Central Bus Station, between Al Nakheel Hotel and Souq Waqif and behind the Alfardan Centre off Grand Hamad St.

Contact Number: +974 4437 0258 / 6699 0661

Shops & Products:

• Gold jewelry pieces (much of the ones available is 22 carat)

• White gold, silver and platinum pieces (silver chains are sold for as low as QR30-QR50)

• Diamonds, pearls and other stones

• Imported bangles from India

• Locally made bridal jewellery sets

• Traditional and antique Bedouin jewellery items (but they;re not always on display so feel free to ask)! 

• Second-hand watches 

• Necklace with customized pendant of your name written in Arabic (get it in silver for as little as QR140)

Did you know?

• All gold jewellery sold in Qatar has a government stamp ensuring its purity. Each is tested and hallmarked, guaranteeing genuine products

• Reputable shops will weigh the gold and test other precious gems in front of you to prove they’re real before purchase. 

• The price of the gold jewellery is calculated and priced by weight, depending on the value of gold that day, but is still negotiable (which is significantly more reasonable than the shops found in malls or elsewhere).

• Jewellery can usually be engraved on the spot. 

• Many of the jewellers are highly skilled and can make a piece of jewellery to order.

• Repairs and resizing can be done for your new order or your existing jewellery.

• Most jewellers here are also helpful, and if you describe what you’re looking for, some will even bring items from other shops to help you find your item of choice. 

3. FILIPINO SOUQ

Ask any taxi driver where the Filipino Souq is, and he can easily locate you at what many people also call, the “Kabayan Souq.” When he drops you in that area, you’ll know you’re in the right place by the proliferation of signs in Tagalog.

Philippine nationals using the word 'kabayan' to address fellow Filipinos or countrymen. It means "coming from the the same country or homeland."

In fact, Filipinos name this market, as Doha's Divisoria (a famous bazaar in Manila, Philippines). To Pinoys who can relate, read this blog: DIVISORIA here in Qatar | Shopping CHEAP Clothes at Doha Souq or KABAYAN Filipino Souq

Known for: Just everything from the Philippines and for the Filipinos!

Timings: Saturday to Thursday- 09:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday - 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm (or depending on each store timings)

Location: Just before Souq Al Deira, squeezed between other souqs

Shops & Products:

• Shops stocking goods and foodstuff from the Philippines

• Items you can only find in the Philippines then shipped to Qatar

• Filipino restaurants with authentic, budget-friendly dishes

4. FALCON SOUQ

The Falcon Souq is home to everything falcon, from their training materials to the birds themselves. 

If you are someone who fancy seeing a falcon and want to know more about these wild creatures then head to this place. 

Located within Souq Waqif, this Souq has a large open area where you can see many of these birds on training.

Known for: Falconry or getting a glimpse at falcons – the national bird of Qatar.

Timings: Saturday to Thursday - 07:00 am to 06:00 pm. Closed on Fridays

Location: Inside or Adjacent to Souq Waqif, Al Souq Street, Doha - Qatar (Just off from the main sections, before the equestrian arena)

Contact Number: +974 4417 6949

Shops & Products:

• All kinds of falcons

• Falconry equipment and accessories

• A special falcon hospital

• Various products required for training of falcons (including hoods and other training materials)

• Food varieties for falcons 

Tip#1: Just look and don’t touch: A falcon can cost more than a high end sports car, and is more than a pet. 

Tip#2: You can also see some falcons in the showrooms where they rest on the perches. But, be careful. Don’t bother them as they might attack you. 

Tip#3:There are 3 large falcon sculptures at the entrance inviting visitors in and the Souq's narrow alleyways are dotted with benches so people can sit and enjoy their time there.

Tip#4: There’s an outdoor area where the birds are exercised several times a day, which is an experience in itself. But if you’ve missed the time, the keepers will let you walk around the falcon showroom, where the birds rest on their perches. 

Tip#5: Falcons are highly respected and valuable by the local people of Qatar, so make sure you respect them too!

Did you know?

• Most of the falcons here are hooded, as they’re highly trained and highly dangerous — these birds are beautiful but deadly. 

• While onboard a Qatar Airways plane, falcons must have a seat booked for them in business class, along with their keeper. 

• You'll get to see these falcons wearing leather hoods on their head perched in their showrooms, and Qataris buying falcons and their equipment or accessories. 

• You may also see falcon owners showing off their falcons especially during October to March which is Qatar's falconry season.

5. SOUQ HARAJ

What comes to mind when you hear about “Souq Haraj?” Oh, it's a flea market. It’s a place for second-hand goods. It's a thrift shop. Yes, all may seem true. However, this commercial area doesn't only sell used items.

This is one of Qatar's busiest souqs with people from all walks of life coming to find low-cost best buys. Here you can also find a wide variety of other goods like furniture, household appliances, and home decors, to name a few.

Known for: Essential items at bargain prices and second-hand stuff

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday - 8:30 am - 10 pm; Monday - 8:30 am - 10:30 pm

Location: Junction of Al Najma and Al Mansour, Al Najma, Doha - Qatar. 

Note: Parking might be a big hassle here as the Souq and surrounding area are sometimes congested.

Contact Number: +974 5550 6949

Shops & Products:

• Furniture

• Household appliances

• Mattresses

• Curtains

• Carpets

• Air conditioners

• Fans

• Home decor and a whole lot more

6. SOUQ AL JABOR

Like many other souqs, Souq Al Jabor takes the ‘more is more’ approach to stocking it’s shops with a plethora of essential items for you and your family. It boasts of a wide variety of products that you need for your regular and even formal events.

If you are looking best keepsakes to give to your loved ones or peers, check out this article: What Gifts or Souvenirs to Buy From Qatar for Your Friends and Family. You can also buy them from this market.

Known for: Ready-made clothing, lingerie, and baby clothes

Timings: Saturday to Thursday- 08:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Friday - 04:30 pm to 10:30 pm (or depending on each store timings) 

Location: Same vicinity as Souq Al Asery and Souq Al Dira and opposite the Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre, across from Souq Waqif, Al Ahmed St. Note: Parking is often a big problem here, so plan ahead before coming there.

Tip: Most people prefer to park in the parking lot under Souq Waqif if they're OK with paying the hourly fee.

Contact Numbers: +974 4441 2963 / 3070 4232

Shops & Products:

• Clothing for the whole family

• Footwear

• Toys, backpacks and other kid essentials

• Nightgowns

• Accessories, costume jewellery pieces, tiaras, etc.

• Tailoring accessories (from buttons, threads, sequins, lace, beads, piping, wool and ribbons to artificial flowers)

• Gift items

• Perfumes

• Luggage

• Electronics and more cheaply priced items

Tip#1: Haggling is a way of life here, though, in general the prices are reasonable and you'll find a lot of bargains here.

Tip#2: Dig through to find some real treasures!

7. SOUQ AL WAKRAH

Known as the “Second Souq Waqif,” Souq Al Wakrah is the best place for those who want to experience something different. 

If you’re imagining the old concept of Qatar markets, then you can visualize and feel it in this all-in-one shopping and amusement plaza. Everything here has a vintage touch that adds more attraction to it.

Based on the style of the old life of Al Wakrah, which was a small village famous for pearling and fishing back in time, Souq Al Wakrah has become one of the hangout designations in Qatar. 

Here you can walk, shop, and dine while your kids play with sand or run around. 

This mixed-used area reflects the old culture and heritage of the country out of its structure, shops, mosques, cafes and traditional dhow boats. 

Known for: Shops and fun activities for the family; traditional goods like sweets, spices, and dates; as well as fabrics and decorations are also available.

Timings: Saturday to Thursday- 07:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday - 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Location: A couple of minutes drive from the Wakrah family beach at Al Wakrah Main St. in Al Wakrah

Contact Number: 

Shops & Attractions

Shops for:

• Bags

• Fabrics

• Decoration pieces

• Jewellery

• Dates

• Sweets

• Spices

You can also find:

• Mosques

• Cafes

• Traditional dhow boats (Based on the recent COVID-19 measures, private boats can be used by members of the same family, or up to 10 people, of which at least 8 must be vaccinated).

8. SOUQ AL DEIRA

Souq Al Deira is one of the most famous markets in Doha to buy fabric and other materials ranging from expensive to affordable ones. 

It is also home to some of the most skilful tailors in Qatar and they can alter and provide you with customized outfits at great prices, whatever the design or pattern.

Bordered by other souqs, this one is an indoor mall-like plaza: You’ll easily identify by the tall arched windows and the signs outside of it. 

Known for: Fabric and tailoring

Note: This is a bit of a busy area, so finding a parking space can be quite challenging. 

Tip: You can park your car in the parking lot under Souq Waqif if you're willing to pay the hourly fee.

Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 8 am - 12:30 pm; 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Location: Opposite the Al Fanar Centre and across from Souq Waqif, Al Ahmed St, Doha, Qatar (Turn off Grand Hamad Street and follow Al Ahmed Street to the end, turning left on Al Jabr street. The Souq is in the square created by Al Jabr and Al Tarbiya Streets).

Contact Number: +974 4441 3436

Shops & Products:

• All types of fabrics and materials available in different sizes, patterns, quality and designs for men and women.

• Products include  embroidered cloth, silk, lace, organza, cotton, crepe,  georgette, cashmere pashmina, designer fabrics, high-end and luxury fabrics, plus more. 

• Tailor-made abayas are also available at bargain prices.

Tip#1: Prices are not fixed, so enjoy haggling and bargaining over the fabric you want to buy.

Tip#2: The prices can range anywhere between QR 10 per metre to QR 1,000+.

Tip#3: You will probably pay close to QR20-QR30 for a meter of basic double width cloth, and as much as QR75-QR150 for more elaborate offerings.

Tip#4: Although not as cheap as other fabric shops nearby, the quality is higher, and with a bit of haggling you can still get a good price.

Tip#5: Upgrade your bargaining skills at this market and you can fetch the product at your preferred price as per the quality of the fabric. 

9. SOUQ NASSER BIN SAIF/ SOUQ ABDULLAH AL SADAH

Lost your mobile charger? Need something fixed? You can get a replacement or solve your devices’ problems here. 

Known for: Electronics and other essential items

Timings: Saturday to Thursday- 09:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday - 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm (or depending on each store timings)

Location: Between Souq Faleh and Souq Al Asiery

Contact Number: +974 4417 6949

Shops & Products:

• Electronics

• Toys

• Perfumes

• Ready-made clothing

Tip: Technicians here can sort any issues on electronics, although be warned: Ask for warranties and be mindful of extra charges on their services.

10. SOUQ AL ASIERY

Popularly known as the “Escalator Souq,” Souq Al Asiery is the first-ever souq in Doha to be equipped with an escalator.

The building itself has a sign with its name, which makes it easier to locate. It is situated just near several other souqs and is crammed with various items for sale, from luggage to fabrics.

Known for: Luggage and fabrics

Timings: Saturday to Thursday- 09:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday - 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm (or depending on each store timings)

Location: Turn off Grand Hamad Street onto Al Tarbiya Street, past Fanar: Qatar Islamic Cultural Center, Souq Faleh and Souq Nasser Bin Saif

Shops & Products:

• Clothing 

• Luggage

• Perfume

• Cheap cotton and man-made fabrics available at discount fabric shops

As Qatar has started easing some COVID-19 restrictions in the country, many shopping stalls in these souqs are reopening.

The Ministry reiterates the importance of following the safety precautions and maintaining social distance while in public areas to help fight the virus spread.

Have a safe shopping spree around the Souqs of Qatar!

Have you been to any of the souqs mentioned above? Share to us some of your best buys and experiences in the comments!